Indole derivative XCR-5a alleviates LPS-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo

Few studies on anti-inflammatory drugs with indole groups have been published. This is the first study that demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of indole derivative XCR-5a in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to discover more anti-inflammatory drugs with indole groups and investigate their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. First, a series of indole derivatives was synthesized, then screened for XCR-5a, a compound with anti-inflammatory effects. Second, the in vitro production of IL-1��, IL-6, TNF-��, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced primary cells of mice pretreated with XCR-5a was determined using qPCR and ELISA. Finally, the effect of XCR-5a on LPS-induced NF-��B signaling activation was determined by Western blotting. An in vivo mouse sepsis model was established. In mouse lung tissue, the production of IL-1��, IL-6, and TNF-�� was determined and H&E staining was performed. Our findings showed that XCR-5a could suppress the production of LPS-induced IL-1��, IL-6, and TNF-��, as well as mRNA expression of iNOS and COX-2. Pretreatment with XCR-5a inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response in septic mice in vivo by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines production in serum and reducing immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, XCR-5a suppressed LPS-induced activation of the NF-��B signaling pathway. XCR-5a has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, XCR-5a could be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.